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Jeriq (born Jeremiah Chukwuebuka Ani; May 6, 1999) is a Nigerian rapper, singer and songwriter from Nkpor, Anambra State. His debut single, "Iyoo", was released in 2015.

Early life

Born in Nkpor, Anambra, Jeriq is a native of Enugu. He is the first child out of five. He attended his secondary school education at College of the Immaculate Conception, Enugu and proceeded to Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), where he obtained his bachelor's degree in Computer Science in 2021.

Career

Jeriq started his music career in 2015, staying relatively undiscovered until, in 2020, he became known wider following the release of the EP "Hood Boy Dream". His style of music incorporates an "infusion" from his Igbo heritage. He was signed to KOD music in 2020. He released his debut album, Billion Dollar Dream, in 2022. It has twelve tracks and features guest artists such as PsychoYP, Kofi Jamar, Flavour, Alpha P, and Dremo. The album's deluxe version was released in 2023 and includes five additional tracks. In an album review for The Native, critic Chibuzo Emmanuel concluded that "his debut album he shows that he is capable of ascending into the ranks of the biggest acts in the country". Jeriq's single "My Bro", and album Billion Dollar Dream, were nominated for Best Rap Single and Best Rap Album at The Headies 2023.

In 2023, Jeriq was featured on "Worthy", a track from Gen Uru's album of the same name. The project was directed by Nigerian rapper Illibliss. On May 13, 2023, he made his first entry into the Billboard Afrobeat Charts at number 47, featuring on the Zlatan track "Oganigwe" along with Odumodublvck. Later that year Rolling Stone magazine rated his collaboration with Blaqbonez, "Nyem Ego", as one of the "40 Best Afropop Songs of 2023".

On November 24, 2024, Jeriq hosted the Jeriq Hood Concert at the Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium at Onitsha; over 20,000 attendees watched him perform and sang his songs word for word.

On December 10, 2023, the Jeriq Hood Concert made a stop at his hometown, Enugu, filling Okpara Square with 15,000 fans. He would return a year later on December 20, 2024, at the Nnamdi Azikwe stadium to fill it up with 22,000 fans, and consequently receiving a plaque from the Enugu state government Ministry of Culture and Tourism for the two concerts.

In August 2024, Jeriq was made brand ambassador of Kedu app, a digital platform connecting Igbo people.

Discography

Awards and nominations

• "My Bro" (Ft. Phyno), Best rap single (nominated), The Headies 2023
• Billion Dollar Dream, Best rap album (nominated), The Headies 2023

References

1. ^ Yusuf, Aisha (4 October 2023). "Jeriq is Taking Indigenous Rap to the Global Stage". TurnTable charts. Retrieved 21 January 2025.
2. ^ Okogba, Emmanuel (2020-11-10). "Jeriq finally off the streets, signs to KODmusic group". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
3. Rapheal (2022-07-15). "Jeriq soars with Billion Dollar Dream". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
4. "Fast rising rapper, Jeriq drops". Retrieved 2025-01-20.
5. Emmanuel, Chibuzo (30 May 2022). "A 1-Listen Review of Jeriq's Debut Album 'Billion Dollar Dream'". The Native.
6. Headies, The (2023-07-12). "CHECK OUT THE FULL 16TH HEADIES NOMINEES LIST - The Headies". Retrieved 2025-01-20.
7. Usaini, Nebianet (2023-07-12). "The 16th Headies Nominations: See The Full List Here". Channels Television. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
8. ^ Grein, Paul (2023-09-04). "Rema, Burna Boy Top 2023 Headies Awards: Full Winners List". Billboard. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
9. Adebayo, Bolu (2023-09-04). "Gen Uru's "Worthy" stirs celebration at every turn. [Album Review]". Album Talks. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
10. Aromolaran, Michael (2023-09-12). "Gen Uru: How Illbliss-directed Album "Worthy" Props Up Nigeria's South-East and South-South". The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.). Retrieved 2025-01-20.
11. Zellner, Xander (2023-05-10). "10 First-Timers on Billboard's Charts This Week: Brenn!, Icandy, Sammy Rae & The Friends and More". Billboard. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
12. "The 40 Best Afropop Songs of 2023". Rolling Stone. 26 December 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2025.
13. Nwafor (2024-12-08). "JeriQ's Homecoming Concert Thrills Thousands in Onitsha". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
14. Nwafor (2023-12-17). "Excitement as JeriQ sold out 15000 capacity Okpara Square". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
15. Nigeria, Guardian (2024-12-28). "Jeriqhood concert: Rapper sells out Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium Enugu". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
16. Nigeria, Guardian (2024-08-23). "KEDU signs Jeriq as brand ambassador". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
17. Reporter, Our (2024-08-25). "IGBO RAP: Ije Nwoke croner, Jeriq, bags brand ambassadorship". The Nation Newspaper. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
18. Chukwudera, Michael Chiedoziem (20 August 2024). ""King" Review: Jeriq Declares His Supremacy With New Album". Afrocritik. Retrieved 28 January 2025.
19. Mamo, Heran; Rys, Dan (31 January 2024). "Afrobeats Fresh Picks: Asake, Black Sherif, Highlyy, Fave, Yung D3mz, PsychoYP & More". Billboard. Retrieved 21 January 2025.

• Living people
• Nigerian rappers
• Nigerian musicians
• Nigerian male rappers
• Rappers from Enugu
• 1999 births